President Rodrigo Duterte said former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano will do a “great job” should he win as congressman in the lone district of Taguig City in the 2019 mid-term elections.

Cayetano served as DFA secretary from May 2017 to October 2018. He was also President Duterte’s running mate in the 2016 presidential elections

“I dare say that he will do a great job as he did as foreign secretary. Alan will do good, he understands the problem and is a very good human. He really helps his fellow man.”

The President also praised Cayetano, who celebrated his 48th birthday in Davao City, for his work in securing arrangements with other nations for the protection of the overseas Filipinos.

“You know that he is the one that I go to in attending to the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFW). He is part of the team and he has been responsible for so many agreements to provide them protection,” he said.

Duterte added that he “hopes that as a congressman,” Cayetano will continue his work for the Filipino community abroad in congress.

“I’d like to convey to you, Alan, my gratitude and my heartfelt thanks for joining the Cabinet, helping me in the hours of my distress as a government worker and as a friend. It was an honor running with you,” Mr. Duterte said.

Cayetano served as DFA Secretary from May 2017 to October 2018. He was also President Duterte’s running mate in the 2016 Presidential elections.